Robert Risson

File:University of Queensland Rugby Union football Club Q.R.U. Premiers, 1930.jpg in 1930. Risson is in the front row, second from the left.]]

Robert Joseph Henry Risson was born on 20 April 1901 in Ma Ma Creek, Queensland.{{cite web|title=Risson, Sir Robert Joseph Henry (1901–1992)|url=http://peopleaustralia.anu.edu.au/biography/risson-sir-robert-joseph-henry-17250|website=People Australia|publisher=National Centre of Biography, Australian National University|accessdate=9 November 2014}}{{cite web|last=Turnbull|first=Graeme|title=The Sir Robert Risson era: an enduring legacy|url=http://www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au/papers/risson.htm|website=Friends of Hawthorn Tram Depot|accessdate=10 November 2014}} He attended Gatton State High School, passing the Senior Public Examination in November 1918, and matriculated to The University of Queensland where he studied Civil Engineering.{{cite news|title=University of Queensland: Senior public examination|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article20235803|accessdate=9 November 2014|newspaper=The Brisbane Courier|publisher=National Library of Australia|date=26 December 1918}} He graduated in 1922/3 and obtained a Bachelor of Engineering (civil).{{cite web|title=Catalogue: Spurgin, Gwendolyn E. M.: Album, ca. 1927-ca. 1930 [manuscript]|url=http://library.uq.edu.au/record=b3140356~S7|website=The University of Queensland|accessdate=9 November 2014}}{{cite news|title=Former tramway engineer gets O.B.E.|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article50146023|accessdate=9 November 2014|newspaper=The Courier-Mail|publisher=National Library of Australia|date=10 September 1942}} At university Risson studied at King's College{{cite web|title=Photograph edition: Students of King's College, University of Queensland|url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/version/208409114|accessdate=9 November 2014|publisher=National Library of Australia|work=The University of Queensland|date=1 January 1925}} and participated in social events,{{cite news|title=Motor boat picnic|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article20963935|accessdate=9 November 2014|newspaper=The Courier-Mail|publisher=National Library of Australia|date=28 September 1925}}{{cite news|title=Athletic club dance|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article21234118|accessdate=9 November 2014|newspaper=The Courier-Mail|publisher=National Library of Australia|date=19 March 1928}} debates,{{cite news|title=Inter-university debating championship|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16236855|accessdate=9 November 2014|newspaper=Sydney Morning Herald|publisher=National Library of Australia|date=21 August 1925}}{{cite news|title=University debates|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article21319103|accessdate=9 November 2014|newspaper=The Courier-Mail|publisher=National Library of Australia|date=21 August 1928}} and became involved with the University of Queensland Rugby Club, becoming president by 1933.{{cite news|title=Dance at university|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article22135838|accessdate=9 November 2014|newspaper=The Courier-Mail|publisher=National Library of Australia|date=3 April 1933}}

In June 1923, Risson was employed by the Brisbane Tramways Trust as a junior civil engineer, at an annual wage of £250.{{cite news|title=Tramway trust|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article20629392|accessdate=9 November 2014|work=The Brisbane Courier|via=Trove|date=22 June 1923}} Risson's duties with the Brisbane tramways were altered in 1927, following the adoption of a report by Brisbane City Council, which was in control of Brisbane's tram network at that time.{{cite news|title=Tramway staff: Alteration of duties|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article21110150|accessdate=9 November 2014|work=The Brisbane Courier|via=Trove|date=19 January 1927}} In 1933, Risson assisted the Brisbane Tramways constructional engineer in overseeing track renewal in central Brisbane,{{cite news|title=Through the night|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1117788|accessdate=9 November 2014|work=The Courier-Mail|via=Trove|date=11 September 1933}} and was Permanent Way Engineer by 1939.

Risson saw active service during World War II, but returned to work with the Brisbane Tramways following the war. He worked within Brisbane City Council's Transport Department and rose to Assistant General Manager. During late 1948, Risson was Acting General Manager.{{cite news|title=5 women hurt in tram smash|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article49933068|accessdate=9 November 2014|work=The Courier-Mail|via=Trove|date=24 November 1948}} Brisbane's tramways undertook an expansion and modernisation program following World War II, introducing modern vehicles and utilising mass-concrete tram track construction methods.

Following Risson's departure to Melbourne to head the Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board, it took Brisbane City Council three years to find a replacement. G.A. Preston, an engineer, was announced as Risson's successor in February 1953, and was subsequently elevated to general manager from 1 January 1954, a position to which "Risson was considered the logical successor".{{cite news|title=At 37, big city job|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article50539006|accessdate=10 November 2014|work=The Courier-Mail|via=Trove|date=7 February 1953}}{{cite news|title=G.A. Preston to act as manager: Run city trams|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article51099363|accessdate=10 November 2014|work=The Courier-Mail|via=Trove|date=12 December 1953}}

File:Lieutenant-Colonel R.J.H. Risson, commander of Royal Engineers 9th Australian Division, shaking hands with The Duke of Gloucester before the Duke inspects the engineers, Tripoli, Syria, 1942..JPG shakes hands with Lieutenant Colonel Risson, before inspecting the 9th Division, engineers, Tripoli, Syria, 1942.]]

Risson's military career started on 15 May 1933, when he was commissioned as a lieutenant in the Australian Engineers, which became the Royal Australian Engineers in 1936. He was promoted to captain on 7 September 1936. On 13 October 1939, following the outbreak of the Second World War, Risson enlisted in the Second Australian Imperial Force (AIF), with the rank of major, receiving the AIF service number QX6062.{{cite web |url=http://www.ww2roll.gov.au/Veteran.aspx?ServiceId=A&VeteranId=371878 |title=World War Two Nominal Roll |publisher=Department of Veterans' Affairs |accessdate=12 November 2014 }}

Risson was sent to the Middle East, where he commanded the 2/3rd Field Company, and then the 7th Division Engineers from 29 May 1941 to 23 January 1942, engaging in the 1941 Siege of Tobruk, where he played a vital role in improving defences, and then in the Syria–Lebanon campaign. On 24 January 1942 he assumed command of the 9th Division Engineers, which he led in the First Battle of El Alamein and the Second Battle of El Alamein.{{cite journal | journal=The Army List of Officers of the Australian Military Forces | date = 18 January 1945 | location = Melbourne | publisher=Australian Military Forces |page = 24}}{{cite news|title=High awards for AIF officers|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12004560|accessdate=8 November 2014|work=The Argus|publisher=National Library of Australia|date=12 November 1942}}{{cite news|title=Awards to 27 A.I.F. officers|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11349688|accessdate=11 November 2014|work=The Argus|issue=20 January 1943|publisher=National Library of Australia}}{{cite news|title=C.M.F. unit leaders appointed|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article22555194|accessdate=8 November 2014|work=The Argus|publisher=National Library of Australia|date=23 March 1948}} After the 9th Division returned home in 1943, he was promoted to brigadier on 23 March 1943, and became Chief Engineer of II Corps, participating in the New Guinea campaign. He became Chief Engineer of I Corps on 12 April 1944, when the corps number changed. He was temporarily attached to Allied Land Forces Headquarters (LHQ) from 21 May 1944 to 1 July 1944, but returned to command the engineers in the 1945 Borneo campaign.{{cite web|last1=Turnbull|first1=Graeme|title=The development and retention of Melbourne's trams and the influence of Sir Robert Risson|url=http://mams.rmit.edu.au/agvhfi29pful.pdf|website=RMIT University|accessdate=10 November 2014|date=August 2002}}{{rp|20}}

While Risson was overseas, Gwen also participated in the war effort, commanding Brisbane's Women's Air Training Corps in 1940. She stated the goal was for women to do the jobs of men on the ground, "releas[ing] them for actual flying."{{cite news|title=Woman also serve|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article46935260|accessdate=8 November 2014|work=Australian Women's Weekly|publisher=National Library of Australia|date=27 January 1940}} She was sent to Melbourne for administrative training in 1941.{{cite news|title=Two Brisbane Women For Air Force Work|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12004560|accessdate=8 November 2014|work=The Courier-Mail|publisher=National Library of Australia|date=27 March 1941}}

Risson continued his military career after the Second World War with the Citizen Military Forces (CMF), commanding the 4th Infantry Brigade. In July 1953 he was promoted to the rank of major general, and appointed General Officer Commanding the 3rd Division.{{cite news|title=Appointment of General|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18374404|accessdate=11 November 2014|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|publisher=National Library of Australia|date=12 June 1953}} He held that post until 1956, and served as the CMF Member of the Military Board from 1957 to 1958.

File:Lieutenant-General Sir Leslie Moreshead pinning the OBE ribbon on Lieutenant Colonel R.J.H. Risson, Al Alamein, 1942.JPG pinning the OBE ribbon on Lieutenant Colonel Risson, El Alamein, 1942.]]

Risson was decorated five times for his service during the Second World War. He received a Distinguished Service Order in 1943, alongside 28 other members of the 9th Division also honoured, for their role at El Alamein;{{cite web|title=Honours and Awards: Robert Joseph Henry Risson|url=http://www.awm.gov.au/people/rolls/R1512008/|website=Australian War Memorial|accessdate=9 November 2014}} was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1942 for his role in the Siege of Tobruk,{{cite web|title=Honours and Awards: Robert Joseph Henry Risson|url=http://www.awm.gov.au/people/rolls/R1512011/|website=Australian War Memorial|accessdate=9 November 2014}} and a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1945 for his work in New Guinea;{{cite news|title=Grantham Officer Awarded C.B.E.|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article114609148|accessdate=10 November 2014|work=The Queensland Times|publisher=National Library of Australia|date=20 July 1945}}{{cite web|title=Honours and Awards: Robert Joseph Henry Risson|url=http://www.awm.gov.au/people/rolls/R1511796/|website=Australian War Memorial|accessdate=9 November 2014}} and was Mentioned in Despatches in 1941{{cite web|title=Honours and Awards: Robert Joseph Henry Risson|url=http://www.awm.gov.au/people/rolls/R1512009/|website=Australian War Memorial|accessdate=9 November 2014}} and 1943{{cite web|title=Honours and Awards: Robert Joseph Henry Risson|url=http://www.awm.gov.au/people/rolls/R1512010/|website=Australian War Memorial|accessdate=9 November 2014}} for actions in Syria and El Alamein, respectively.{{rp|20}} Risson was also awarded the Efficiency Decoration.

Following Hector Hercules Bell's decision in 1949 to retire as Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board chairman,{{cite news|title=Retiring tram chief will not re-apply|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article22715188|accessdate=8 November 2014|work=The Argus|issue=8 March 1949|publisher=National Library of Australia}} the State Government of Victoria, in April 1949, empowered a committee to start vetting applications for his replacement.{{cite news|title=Selecting tram chairman|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article22725203|accessdate=8 November 2014|work=The Argus|issue=28 April 1949|publisher=National Library of Australia}} Risson was announced as the incoming MMTB chairman in June 1949,{{cite news|title=Brisbane engineer new tram chief|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article22736416|accessdate=8 November 2014|work=The Argus|publisher=National Library of Australia|date=21 June 1949}} assuming the role on 1 October,{{cite news|title=Personal|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article22781997|accessdate=8 November 2014|work=The Argus|publisher=National Library of Australia|date=29 September 1949}} and becoming the MMTB's third chairman. He was initially paid £2,500 per year.

Risson made operational changes to the MMTB Throughout the 1950s. He introduced operating efficiencies, with his military training influencing his managerial style. Bell's promised PCC tram began operation in 1950, but remained a one-off, with more W-class trams being built instead, the last entering service in 1956. Risson's reopening of Bourke St trams, with the justification of economic advantage, is lauded as his greatest achievement. Risson also made use of migration agreements to bolster low employee numbers, even purchasing dwellings to house new arrivals.{{cite news|title=The general's men were really not gentlemen!|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71884712|accessdate=11 November 2014|work=The Argus|date=26 May 1955|publisher=National Library of Australia}}

Risson's era saw ongoing industrial disputes, regarding pay, bus operation (following one protracted industrial dispute, the Arbitration Commission ruled that there be two-person operation of 31+ seat buses), and even the implementation of a summer uniform. There were also cuts to all-night and Sunday tram services, and the abandonment of the Point Ormond line, and Footscray system. These cuts were part of Risson's economy drive, justified by low patronage and a need to decrease costs.

File:D13520route6.JPG on Melbourne's Swanston Street ]]

Risson was a defender of trams at a time when they were falling out of favour across Australia. He is often regarded as a major factor in the retention of Melbourne's tram network,{{cite web|last1=Lee|first1=Robert|title=Linking a Nation: Australia's Transport and Communications 1788–1970: Chapter 6: Transport and the Making of Cities, 1850–1970: Trams in Australian Cities|url=http://www.environment.gov.au/resource/linking-nation-australias-transport-and-communications-1788-1970-6#trams|website=Department of the Environment (Australia)|publisher=Australian Heritage Commission|accessdate=9 November 2014|date=2003}} which now has a route length of {{convert|250|km|0|abbr=on}}, making it the largest tram network in the world.{{cite web|title=Facts & figures|url=http://www.yarratrams.com.au/about-us/who-we-are/facts-figures/|website=Yarra Trams|accessdate=9 November 2014|archive-date=29 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140529000558/http://www.yarratrams.com.au/about-us/who-we-are/facts-figures/|url-status=dead}} Academic Graeme Turnbull argues that "the retention of the Melbourne tramway system during this period is due almost solely to Sir Robert's strong management", and academic John Legge writes that "Melbourne's tram network in the years after the war found that Risson still knew how to fight. Premiers as tough as Henry Bolte backed away from such a contest."{{cite news|last1=Legge|first1=John|title=Our trams are far from the end of the line|url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/opinion/our-trams-are-far-from-the-end-of-the-line/2006/12/25/1166895237934.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1|accessdate=9 November 2014|work=The Age|date=26 December 2006}} Further, Victorian Transport Minister Alan Brown called Risson "the man who deserves full credit for saving our city's trams" in 1994,{{cite web|last1=Brown|first1=Alan|authorlink1=Alan Brown (Australian politician)|title=Getting Victoria's Public Transport Heritage on the Move|url=http://www.cotma.net.au/documents/bendigo_1994/Bendigo%201994%20-%20Paper%2026.pdf|website=Council of Tramway Museums of Australasia|accessdate=9 November 2014|date=5 December 1994}} and columnist Bruce Guthrie described Risson as "the man who saved our trams."{{cite news|last1=Guthrie|first1=Bruce|title=Melburnians, here are 25 people you might like to thank for your city|url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/melburnians-here-are-25-people-you-might-like-to-thank-for-your-city-20131012-2vf7k.html|accessdate=9 November 2014|work=The Age|date=13 October 2013}}

To honour Risson's legacy the tram terminus in Elizabeth Street was named after him by Brown in 1994. The first D1-class tram (number 3501), officially launched on 2 August 2002, was fitted with plaques near the front doors stating that it had been "named in honour of Sir Robert J.H. Risson...",{{cite web|title=D1.3501|url=http://www.vicsig.net/index.php?page=trams&number=3501&class=D1|website=Vicsig|accessdate=9 November 2014}} but they were removed when the tram was re-decorated in PTV livery in June 2014.{{cite web|title=D1 Class|url=http://www.vicsig.net/index.php?page=trams§ion=class&class=D1|website=Vicsig|accessdate=9 November 2014}}

Risson participated in a variety of organisations through his life. Risson became a Freemason in 1961, holding a number of positions including as Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of Victoria between 1974 and 1976.{{cite web|title=Large List of Notable and Famous Australian Freemasons|url=http://www.lodgedevotion.net/devotionnews/education-editorial-articles/famous-australian-freemasons/large-list-of-notable-and-famous-australian-freemasons|website=Lodge Devotion 723|accessdate=10 November 2014|date=5 April 2012|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120423231530/http://www.lodgedevotion.net/devotionnews/education-editorial-articles/famous-australian-freemasons/large-list-of-notable-and-famous-australian-freemasons|archivedate=23 April 2012|df=dmy-all}}{{cite web|title=Past Grand Masters|url=http://www.freemasonsvic.net.au/125th-anniversary/125-images-125-years/past-grand-masters/|website=Freemasons Victoria|accessdate=10 November 2014}} He was a fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers; Institution of Engineers of Australia; Australian Institute of Management; and a member of the Institute of Transport. Further, he was Chief Commissioner of the Australian Boy Scouts Association from 1958 to 1963; President of the Good Neighbour Council from 1963 to 1968; Chairman of the National Fitness Council from 1961 to 1971; and inaugural chair of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award in 1963. Risson died on 19 July 1992 in Murrumbeena, Victoria.

In addition to his honours during active service in the Second World War, Risson was made an Officer of the Order of St John, a Companion of the Order of the Bath in 1958,{{cite web|title=Honours and Awards: Robert Joseph Henry Risson|url=http://www.awm.gov.au/people/rolls/R1512012/|website=Australian War Memorial|accessdate=9 November 2014}} and was conferred the honour of Knight Bachelor during the Queen's Birthday ceremonies in 1970.{{cite web|title=Victoria Government Gazette, No 60|url=http://gazette.slv.vic.gov.au/images/1970/V/general/60.pdf|website=State Library of Victoria|publisher=Government of Victoria|accessdate=9 November 2014|date=17 June 1970}}

After a three-and-a-half-year engagement,'Engagements', Queensland Figaro, 22 November 1930 14 Risson married Gwendolyn Edith Millicent Spurgin on 12 May 1934 at St John’s Church of England Cathedral, Brisbane. The couple honeymooned in Melbourne.{{cite news|title=In the social sphere|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36718278|accessdate=9 November 2014|newspaper=The Courier-Mail|publisher=National Library of Australia|date=17 May 1934}}

During the 1920s Gwendolyn had attended The University of Queensland, where she played hockey representing both the University and Australia.{{cite web|title=From heavy skirts to shin pads: Queensland women's hockey turns 100|url=http://www.uq.edu.au/news/article/2012/07/heavy-skirts-shin-pads-queensland-women%E2%80%99s-hockey-turns-100|website=The University of Queensland|accessdate=9 November 2014|date=19 July 2012}}{{cite web|title=Club History|url=http://www.uqhockey.com.au/club-history.html|website=University of Queensland Woman's Hockey Club|accessdate=9 November 2014|date=2009}} She later coached the University of Queensland Women's Hockey Club.

The Rissons did not have children.Marcus Fielding, 'Sir Robert Joseph Risson (1901–1992)' Australian Dictionary of Biography https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/risson-sir-robert-joseph-17250 Gwendolyn died on 9 September 1988.'Deaths', Melbourne Age 12 September 1988 p. 23

• Alexander Cameron – inaugural chairman of the MMTB, who presided from 1919 to 1935

{{reflist}}

• {{cite web|last1=Turnbull|first1=Graeme|title=The decline and ultimate abandonment of the Brisbane tramway system – A contrast with the retention of the tramway system in Melbourne|url=http://mams.rmit.edu.au/an7uc5idd9q41.pdf|website=RMIT University|accessdate=10 November 2014|date=November 2002}}

{{Commons category|Robert Joseph Henry Risson}}

• [http://www2.awm.gov.au/people/roll-search/honours_and_awards/?preferred_name=&service_number=QX6062&unit=&honour_award=0&roll_type=All&award_authority=0&conflict=0&op=Search Search of Risson's WW2 Honours and Awards], Australian War Memorial.
• [http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/F07560/ 21 Australian Infantry Brigade amphibious training], 1944 video clip featuring Risson, Australian War Memorial.
• [http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/F07549/ HRH Duke of Gloucester visits 1 Aust Corps Troops], 1945 video clip featuring Risson, Australian War Memorial.
• [http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/F07155/ The Duke of Gloucester's visit to Atherton], 1945 video clip featuring Risson, Australian War Memorial.
• [http://www.awm.gov.au/search/all/?query=Risson%2C+R+J+H&op=Search&format=list&rows=20 Collection of media featuring Risson], Australian War Memorial.

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{{s-bef|before=Major General Selwyn Porter}}

{{s-ttl|title=General Officer Commanding 3rd Division|years=1953–1956}}

{{s-aft|after=Major General Heathcote Hammer}}

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{{succession box | title=Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of Victoria| before=Clive Harris | after=Christopher James | years=1974–1976}}

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Category:1901 births

Category:1992 deaths

Category:Royal Australian Engineers officers

Category:Military personnel from Queensland

Category:Australian military engineers

Category:Australian Commanders of the Order of the British Empire

Category:Australian Companions of the Distinguished Service Order

Category:Australian Companions of the Order of the Bath

Category:20th-century Australian engineers

Category:Australian Freemasons

Category:Australian generals

Category:Australian Knights Bachelor

Category:Australian Army personnel of World War II

Category:Australian people in rail transport

Category:Australian public servants

Category:University of Queensland alumni